Macoupin County man arrested for child porn

A Macoupin County man has been charged with multiple counts of possessing and distributing child pornography as part of Operation Glass House, a statewide initiative to catch those who download and trade child pornography online.

Investigators from the office of State’s Attorney Lisa Madigan, the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police executed a search warrant Tuesday and arrested Timothy B. Saxton, 37, at his residence on Dean Street in Wilsonville.

Saxton was charged Wednesday by Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jennifer Watson with two counts of distribution of child pornography, punishable by six to 30 years in prison, and two counts of possession of child pornography, punishable by three to seven years in prison. His bail has been set at $100,000.

“Child pornography is not a victimless crime. Every time these horrific images are spread online, it perpetuates the sexual assault of children,” Madigan said. “With each Operation Glass House arrest, we are sending a message that we will be relentless in our efforts to investigate, arrest and imprison offenders.”

Operation Glass House has netted 75 arrests since 2010.

“Without this type of investigation, these crimes would go undetected,” said Macoupin County Sheriff Shawn Kahl. “It puts criminals on notice that they are being watched. The Attorney General’s Office has assisted us on many investigations in the past, and we continue to appreciate our partnership to bring offenders to justice.”